Yesterday was Karly’s birthday. My little girl turned eight. Friday night she had a party with fifteen little girls running around in our house. Ten of those girls slept over. Those of you who have daughters know what a force of nature these little girls can be. I don’t know what my wife was thinking.

Sunday was a much quieter affair with family. Karly asked me to make cherry cola ribs. It’s one of her favorites and everyone loves them. OK, so it’s not my ribs recipe. I got the recipe from Bon Apetit a few years ago and have been making it ever since (Grilled Spareribs with Cherry Cola Glaze – I like using baby back ribs instead and I adjust the heat otherwise it can be too sweet).

We started the afternoon off with the 2008 Lydie et Thierry Chancelle Saumur Blanc. This is a 100% Chenin Blanc from Saumur – an AOC in the Loire Valley. The wine has crisp acidity and notes of melon, nice structure with a mid-length finish. It’s an enjoyable and refreshing white. $20.

With the ribs, we had the 2008 Domaine Des Billards Saint-Amour Beaujolais. I’ve made the cherry cola ribs easily about 20 times. Of all wines I’ve had with the ribs, this wine has provided for the best pairing. The wine is very fruit forward (as most Beaujolais wines are) but it also has wonderful notes of black pepper and cardamom. It has nice balance and a peppery mid-length finish. I really liked this wine and at $20 it’s a bargain. And more importantly, it went perfectly with the ribs.

We ended with our own Rasa Vineyards 2008 Vox Populi Mourvedre. Of course it was wonderful. ’Nuff said.